State Auditor

Partisan Office, 4-year term - Washington State Statewide

James Watkins (Prefers Republican Party)

Elected Experience: This is a job for a professional, not a politician. I
work professionally to make organizations faster, more efficient, and more effective.

Other Professional Experience: In the 23 years since earning my MBA, I've
done 150+ performance audits. I've been a successful executive and principle consultant
in large professional services firms and run business units for Fortune 50 firms.
I've worked with major federal agencies; non-profits; and innovative private sector
businesses, large and small.

Education: BBA, MBA, George Washington University.

Community Service: Elected to leadership in Church, youth organizations,
etc. Citizen activist focusing on good/open government issues. Active charity fundraiser.
Married 27 years; two children.

Statement: State auditor is a job for an independent professional, not a
politician. Thatís why retiring state auditor Brian Sonntag says ď...[Watkins] is
particularly well qualified based on his experience and background to advance the
State Auditorís Office and be an independent advocate for taxpayers.Ē

I have the judgment and real world experience to make sure we get a dollarís value
from every dollar we pay in taxes. Since earning my MBA, Iíve worked successfully
for 23 years to make organizations faster, more effective, and more efficient Ė
and we need more of that in Olympia.

My opponent is a professional politician who voted repeatedly to weaken the auditorís
office, massively increase state spending, and hike taxes. Now, heís asking you
to trust him to audit and evaluate the very same government programs he voted to
create! Thatís like asking a fox to watch the henhouse.

We need government we can trust. Citizens wonít allow the legislature to raise taxes:
efficiency and cost savings are the only way to fund our shared priorities while
rebuilding voter trust. As your state auditor, I pledge to drive efficiency and
effectiveness; to limit fraud, waste, and abuse; and defend and expand open, transparent
government.

Education: BA, University of California, Berkeley; JD, MBA, State University
of New York, Buffalo.

Community Service: Tacoma Chamber of Commerce, Tacoma PTA, VFW, United Way.
Youth football and baseball coach. Met wife Diane in 1990. They live in Tacoma with
their two sons and attend St. Leo's Church.

Statement: Retiring State Auditor Brian Sonntag says, "Troy gets it! He's
the independent voice we need to ensure state dollars are focused on the right priorities.
He's unwavering in his work eliminating waste and holding government accountable,
ensuring we have transparent government. We need his kind of leadership."

Troy believes in fiscal integrity. Leading by example, he was the first of 147 legislators
to voluntarily cut his pay in the economic downturn. Troy is the only candidate
in this race to cut his pay and refuse all special session reimbursement payments.

Troy believes our ability to focus on top priorities like education depends on our
ability to manage budgets responsibly. That's why he voted to uphold the will of
the people ensuring lower class sizes, and uphold voter-approved initiatives fighting
unfair tax increases. The News Tribune says, "The state needs more of his fiscal
prudence. Kelley brings a welcome voice and small business perspective to the House
and is strong on veterans issues." The Moderate Washingtonian said Troy supports
"fiscal responsibility but doesn't waffle and has stood up for basic fairness on
issues that matter."